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“Ratnakaradhoutapadam Himalayakirithinam, Brahmarshi Rajarshipujitam Vande Bharatamataram.”
This immortal line from Anandamath by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay glorifies Bharat Mata—whose feet are washed by the ocean and whose crown is the lofty Himalayas. In today’s times, when India faces multiple challenges to its borders, unity, and cultural fabric, these words inspire us to act.
In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah declared: “The nation’s borders are like the garment of the mother; protecting them is the duty of every child.” These words remind us that safeguarding India is not just the army’s job but the duty of every citizen.
India was once a vast, undivided civilization, its borders stretching far beyond today’s map. Guided by Sanatan Dharma, it was a beacon of peace and human values.
The arrival of the East India Company in the 19th century marked the beginning of exploitation. Through deceit and with local collaborators, the British gradually brought India under colonial rule, weakening its unity.
Even after independence, India faced repeated aggression—Pakistan through wars and terrorism, and China through military attacks such as the 1962 war. Each time, our armed forces defended the nation with courage and sacrifice.
Despite these sacrifices, parts of Indian territory were ceded or lost over time, reminding us that vigilance and strong policies are essential to protect our borders.
Today, India’s border regions—especially in the Northeast—face challenges like poor infrastructure, illegal migration, cross-border crimes, and demographic shifts that threaten long-term security.
A comprehensive approach is needed:
- Central Government: Build strong border infrastructure and ensure effective security measures.
- State Governments: Empower border villages with education, health facilities, and livelihood support.
- Citizens: Stay alert, report threats, and build a culture of national pride.
In 1985, Seema Jagaran Manch was formed in Jodhpur to awaken border consciousness. Carrying this mission forward, Seemanta Chetana Manch Purvottar was established in 2008 at Goalgaon, Dhubri, Assam, to work across the Northeast.
Lack of development in border areas often leads to alienation, which anti-national forces exploit. Strengthening these regions socially and economically is critical for security.
- Empowering Border Communities: Instilling pride that they are the first line of defense.
- Government-NGO Partnership: Delivering education, health, and infrastructure projects.
- Citizen Awareness: Encouraging the wider public to support border regions and understand their importance.
Defending the nation is not just about land but also about preserving its culture. India must protect its internal traditions and resist harmful external influences that erode identity.
As the Atharvaveda says, “The Earth is my mother, and I am her son.” This philosophy guides the Manch’s efforts to deepen the bond between people and their land.
Seemanta Chetana Manch Purvottar has launched SOUL (Stories of Unity, Land & Culture) Docu-Fiction Film Festival, to be held on 19–21 September 2025 at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati.
The festival will showcase farming, marriage, house-building, water-conservation rituals, festivals, and rites of passage—highlighting how deeply our lives are tied to the soil.
Protecting borders is not the army’s responsibility alone. It is the collective duty of every Indian to preserve the nation’s integrity—through vigilance, development, and pride in culture.